Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US) to scheme; to obtain by planning.

1903		A. Binstead Pitcher in Paradise 217: Then the real angling started.
1922		Wash. Times (DC) 21 Aug. 4/4: If a girl’s dippy to grab off a title, why don’t she angle for those guys that fight to defend theirs and haul in enough jack to take the crown jewels of Europe outta hock every time they sign up.
1927		W. Edge Main Stem 57: Slim simply pulled off his shoes two hours after angling for an invitation.
1936		San Quentin Bulletin in L.A. Times 6 May 7: ANGLE, to scheme.
1947		B. Schulberg Harder They Fall (1971) 14: He picks up [...] some new kid from the amateurs and he angles a spot or two for him.
1954		P. Larkin letter 7 Apr. in Thwaite Sel. Letters (1992) 225: Arthur is angling to stay on.
1962		Ragen & Finston World’s Toughest Prison 789: angle – To make money by illegitimate means; to fish for a sucker.
1973		E. Bunker No Beast So Fierce 8: I’d angled a single cell after five years.
1979		‘Iceberg Slim’ Airtight Willie and Me 11: I’m gonna angle my ass off [...] scoring for transportation.
1997		(con. 1960s) A. Frewin London Blues 101: Joe has social graces like the Sahara has lakes. He must always angle for something.